Benchmarking organisations have a mutual interest in promoting benchmarking as an improvement process. As separate entities, these organisations may have independent memberships, suites of activities and geographic coverage. Nonetheless, it is in the mutual interest of the respective organisations to promote open communication and pursue certain co-operative efforts.

Hence they have agreed to an affiliation known as the Global Benchmarking Network (GBN). The Global Benchmarking Network (GBN) is an alliance of leading benchmarking centres worldwide who share a common vision and mission. Current Membership comprises more than 20 benchmarking centres which represent more than 30,000 businesses and government agencies.

The GBN was founded in November 1994 by representatives from benchmarking centres in Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The GBN is a non-profit organization. It has a Chairman, a Vice Chairman and a Secretary General. The GBN comprises benchmarking centres in the following countries: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai), UK and USA.

New Affiliates - which are the leading benchmarking centre in that country - are welcome and should contact the GBN Secretary for affiliation details.

Benchmarking 2030 - The Future of Benchmarking

The GBN is embarking a project to look at the future of benchmarking We are seeking inputs from existing, past and potential future GBN Members. This project will take into account new technologies and social networking opportunities as well as issues such as global financial crises, governance, political, social and environmental trends and changing natural characteristics. However the project needs to look well beyond these current trends. Your input is appreciated. Please go to http://www.benchmarkingpartnerships.com.au/home.htm to learn more about this project and the options for your participation. The project will investigate the use of benchmarking and the future use of benchmarking techniques. It will will answer the following questions:  What will Benchmarking look like in 2030 – and in between? What are the tools, methodologies and technologies that Benchmarkers can use now to help organisations and economies to improve their outcomes? The main outcome will be to report on results of a Roundtable as part of the GBN Conference in Kuwait (5-6 December 2010).